A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu, has ignited widespread reactions across Northern Nigeria following a strongly worded open letter in which he accused a section of Islamic clerics of promoting divisive and inciting messages capable of fueling extremism.
The letter, which has since gone viral on social media and within religious circles, was originally shared on the Facebook page of Hauwa Mundi, drawing intense debate among Nigerians on issues of religious tolerance, national unity, and security.
In the letter, Rabiu alleged that some clerics have turned religious pulpits into platforms for spreading hate, particularly against Christians. He condemned the use of derogatory terms such as “arna” and “kafir,” describing such rhetoric as dangerous, un-Islamic, and a contributing factor to radicalisation.
“Nobody has the key to paradise except Allah,” he stated, stressing that no individual has the authority to condemn others based on religious differences. He further warned that unchecked inflammatory preaching could continue to breed extremist groups, referencing the emergence of insurgent movements in the region.
The retired police officer also drew attention to the growing population of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, particularly the Almajiri system, describing it as a fertile ground for recruitment by extremist groups. According to him, vulnerable and idle youths are often manipulated with promises of religious reward to engage in violence.
Rabiu challenged the Nigerian government, particularly Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take decisive action by introducing and enforcing laws that criminalise hate speech disguised as religious preaching, prohibit the use of derogatory religious labels, and address the issue of child street begging.
He argued that such reforms would not only restore sanity within religious spaces but also improve Nigeria’s global image and strengthen internal security. He warned that failure to act decisively could expose the country to further instability and external pressures.
The statement has since generated mixed reactions, with some commending his courage in addressing a sensitive issue, while others view his position as controversial within the context of religious freedom.
Adding a personal dimension to the discourse, a Facebook user, Jeremiah Samdi, shared an encounter with Rabiu that painted a different picture of the retired officer. Samdi recounted how Rabiu, during his wedding in 2021 in Yola, Adamawa State, showed kindness and generosity by offering him and his wife a complimentary stay at his hotel.
Beyond the gesture, Samdi noted that Rabiu spoke passionately about religious tolerance and coexistence, emphasising the need for mutual understanding despite doctrinal differences. The encounter, he said, revealed a thoughtful and humane personality committed to peaceful interfaith relations.
Observers say the development has once again brought to the fore the delicate balance between religious expression and national cohesion in a pluralistic society like Nigeria. As debates continue, many agree that the conversation initiated by Rabiu touches on critical issues that require urgent attention from both religious leaders and policymakers.
